2013 ford c-max Model Overview

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The 2013 Ford C-Max finally makes it way to American soil, and with an impressive debut. Facing off against the Prius and other hybrids, the C-Max is very affordable, has great gas mileage, and a surprising amount of power and handling abilities for a hybrid. Overall, the C-Max gives a large amount of value for the price tag.

New For 2013

The C-Max Hybrid and its plug-in hybrid variant, the C-Max Energi, are new to the U.S. Already available in Europe with conventional powertrains, these hybrid mini-minivans are Ford’s attempt to steal some of the Prius’ thunder. Ford expects the C-Max Hybrid to net 47 mpg in the city and the C-Max Energi to net 95 mpg-e combined with a 550-mile highway range.

Exterior

The C-Max is considered a hybrid wagon, yet unlike the hybrids of past years, this car does not have the boxy exterior seen on so many other electric cars. In fact, it boasts rather stylish lines and features. It comes equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels. The lift gate features a fix lift gate window.

The front end of the car is equipped with fog lights and round headlights to illuminate even the darkest of roads. The SE comes with standard fare such as blind spot mirrors and the option for a powered lift gate. Heated mirrors are also available. The SEL receives all of the options and standard features from the SE, except the powered lift gate. Both trims have the option of a panoramic sunroof, a hands free package, and a rearview camera. The hands free package includes a sensor that opens the lift gate just by swiping a foot beneath the bumper.

The 2013 Ford C-Max comes in eight color options, has a rear window wiper, and features turn signals in the mirrors. Overall the exterior design is attractive, and it is a little more so than most of the other hybrids on the road.

Interior & Cargo

Despite being small in size, there is no lack of detail when it comes to the interior of the Ford C-Max. The C-Max comes standard with cloth upholstery, bucket front seats, and a rear split-folding bench seat. Windows, locks, and mirrors are all powered. Other standard interior fare includes air conditioning, cruise control, a trip computer, and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel. The steering wheel includes controls for audio and cruise control. With a subscription to their SYNC service, the navigation system offers turn-by-turn directions.

Other standard interior features include air filtration and automatic dual zone climate control. Entertainment includes a six-speaker audio system with an AM/FM/CD radio with MP3 CD playback capabilities. The audio system also features an auxiliary jack and USB connection for other audio devices and storage mediums. The SEL trim adds 10-way powered driver seat, heated seats for passenger and driver, and leather upholstery. Also added to the SEL trim is a memory card slot and video monitor to the audio system and speed sensitive volume controls. With a subscription to SYNC, the SEL also receives voice recognition and commands.

With the rear seats in place, cargo room measures 24.5 cubic feet. Folding down the rear seats makes this 52.6 cubic feet. This amount of cargo space is average for its class.

Safety

The 2013 Ford C-Max comes standard with anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control. Braking mechanisms and systems include emergency braking assist and electronic brake force distribution. Also included are front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, and the driver knee airbag. Another impressive safety feature includes the 911 Assist technology, which works as a post-collision safety system to notify the authorities in the case of an accident.

The MyKey system allows parents or guardians to setup top speeds, stereo volume settings, and other parameters for teen drivers. Options include parking sensors and a rearview camera. Braking time was slightly below average for the C-Max. Turn signal mirrors help with visibility on the road, and integrated blind-spot mirrors help the driver see in all directions.

With SYNC technology enable, airbag deployment notification can send a message to any smartphone when airbags are deployed. The SEL trim comes standard with fog lights and an anti-thief alarm system for additional safety. Unfortunately, there have been no U.S. crash tests for the 2013 Ford C-Max.

Driving Experience

The 2013 Ford C-Max comes with a hybrid engine that runs on gasoline and electric power. The standard equipment under the hood is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. This engine produces a relatively impressive 141 horsepower and 121 lb-ft of torque. A lithium-ion battery powers the electric motor, and when combined with the gasoline engine, they produce 188 horsepower. The transmission is a continuously variable transmission. When tested for roadworthiness, the 2013 Ford C-Max outperformed other hybrids on the market. This includes an extremely impressively zero to 60 miles per hour in just 8.1 seconds, which is about two seconds faster than most hybrids. This is a very significant achievement, especially when fuel economy is considered. Estimated fuel economy is 47/47 mpg city/highway, which is five miles per gallon better than the major competitor, the Prius.

The actual feel of driving is very impressive as well, with responsive handling and a smooth ride. The cabin is very quiet even on the highway. The electric motor alone can manage 47 miles per hour, and thanks to the great speed, highway passing isn’t an issue. Overall, the C-Max outperforms the competition, and for the first time, there is a serious competitor for the Prius, and it just so happens to be the better vehicle.

Key Competitors For The 2013 Ford C-Max

2013 Ford C-MAX Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$25,200

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$14,300

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

Recalls

Without an audible door chime, a vehicle owner may open the door and exit the vehicle without being reminded that the vehicle is still operational, leaving the vehicle susceptible to theft.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus Electric vehicles and 2013 C-Max vehicles equipped with the Intelligent Access Push Button Start System. In the affected vehicles, there is no audible chime when the vehicle is operational and the driver's door is opened. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the door chime, free of charge. The recall began on October 30, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13C07.

Units Affected

23000

Recall ID#14V597000 - AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Consequence

The short circuits could cause the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags and the seat belt pretensioners to not function as intended when needed, increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured January 19, 2012, to November 21, 2013; Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to August 24, 2013; Ford Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to November 1, 2013; and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to September 30, 2013. The coating on portions of the Restraint Control Module (RCM) may crack, and when exposed to humidity, circuits on the printed circuit board may short.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RCM, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. The recall began on May 26,2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S21.

Units Affected

746842

Recall ID#14V597000 - SEAT BELTS

Consequence

The short circuits could cause the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags and the seat belt pretensioners to not function as intended when needed, increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured January 19, 2012, to November 21, 2013; Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to August 24, 2013; Ford Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to November 1, 2013; and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to September 30, 2013. The coating on portions of the Restraint Control Module (RCM) may crack, and when exposed to humidity, circuits on the printed circuit board may short.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RCM, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. The recall began on May 26,2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S21.

Units Affected

746842

Recall ID#14V164000 - SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

Consequence

The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured August 15, 2012, through September 10, 2013, 2013-2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured June 5, 2012, through August 12, 2013, and 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured from July 23, 2012, through May 28, 2013. The driver and passenger seatback assemblies may have been produced with sub-standard weld joints used to attach the seat back recliner mechanism to the seat frame. The affected seat backs may have insufficient strength to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seatback, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14C03.

Units Affected

43135

Recall ID#14V597000 - AIR BAGS

Consequence

The short circuits could cause the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags and the seat belt pretensioners to not function as intended when needed, increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured January 19, 2012, to November 21, 2013; Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to August 24, 2013; Ford Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to November 1, 2013; and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to September 30, 2013. The coating on portions of the Restraint Control Module (RCM) may crack, and when exposed to humidity, circuits on the printed circuit board may short.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RCM, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. The recall began on May 26,2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S21.

Units Affected

746842

Recall ID#14V237000 - AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Consequence

If the side-curtain rollover air bag is delayed in deploying in certain rollover circumstances, the risk of injury to the passengers is increased.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 C-MAX, and Escape vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the restraint control module (RCM) may have errors in the programming software which may result in a delayed deployment of the side-curtain rollover air bag.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the RCM, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S04.

Units Affected

594785

Recall ID#13V475000 - EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

Consequence

Without an audible door chime, a vehicle owner may open the door and exit the vehicle without being reminded that the vehicle is still operational, leaving the vehicle susceptible to theft.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus Electric vehicles and 2013 C-Max vehicles equipped with the Intelligent Access Push Button Start System. In the affected vehicles, there is no audible chime when the vehicle is operational and the driver's door is opened. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the door chime, free of charge. The recall began on October 30, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13C07.

Units Affected

23000

Recall ID#14V237000 - AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE

Consequence

If the side-curtain rollover air bag is delayed in deploying in certain rollover circumstances, the risk of injury to the passengers is increased.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 C-MAX, and Escape vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the restraint control module (RCM) may have errors in the programming software which may result in a delayed deployment of the side-curtain rollover air bag.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the RCM, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S04.

Units Affected

594785

Recall ID#13V303000 - STRUCTURE

Consequence

In the event of a crash, an occupant could be at an increased risk of an injury.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2013 C-Max hybrid vehicles, without panoramic roofs, that were manufactured January 19, 2012, through June 25, 2013. During vehicle testing, the vehicle exceeded a head injury criteria requirement set by the standard. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install energy absorbers between the headliner and the roof. The recall began on August 5, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13C02.

Units Affected

33021

Recall ID#13V085000 - LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

Consequence

The operator may incorrectly believe the child lock is engaged. However, the door may be opened from the inside, increasing the risk of injury to an unrestrained child.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Focus and C-Max vehicles built from November 16, 2012, through November 21, 2012; and model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2012, through November 21, 2012. The left rear door child lock was built incorrectly. As a result, the child lock may not engage when the operator uses normal force to activate the child lock.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected rear door latches, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.